JOHN HANNA, Associated Press
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — First lady Michelle Obama says young people who’ve grown up with diversity must lead a national fight against prejudice and discrimination.
She told high school graduates in Topeka, Kansas, on Friday that the historic Brown v. Board of Education ruling against school segregation is “still being decided every single day.”
Obama’s speech at an event honoring the city’s high school graduates came the day before the 60th anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court’s 1954 decision. The case takes its title from a federal lawsuit that originated in Topeka.
The first lady said young people have the power to improve society by opening their hearts and minds and speaking up for what they know is right and sharing the lessons of Brown.
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TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — First lady Michelle Obama has met with a small group of Kansas high school students ahead of an evening speech at a ceremony honoring graduating seniors.
Obama met Friday with 11 students at the national park site in Topeka dedicated to the Brown v. Board of Education decision by the U.S. Supreme Court that declared segregated schools unconstitutional.
Her visit took place the day before the 60th anniversary of the decision. The Brown site is in a former all-black elementary school.
The afternoon meeting involved sophomores and juniors participating in a federally funded program helping at-risk kids prepare for higher education.
Obama told them, “It’s just going to be essential for you guys to succeed.”